Fundamentally changing how Chicago addresses homelessness
Transforming Chicago’s Homelessness Landscape
The Mission
Our mission is to end homelessness in Chicago through a multidisciplinary approach through affordable housing and a systemic redesign of the existing system.
TCV recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue rooted in multiple contributing factors, including lack of economic mobility, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and the shortage of affordable housing. We plan to fundamentally change how Chicago addresses homelessness.
A significant decrease in the population experiencing homelessness is imperative and urgent. When taking a wholistic look at individuals experiencing homelessness – whether sheltered, unsheltered, or temporarily staying with others – we believe Chicago can make more progress - and faster - towards addressing this issue.
With an initial investment to the Prestige cohort in May, TFO supported six organizations with a focus on scaling impactful initiatives, including:
Covenant House
TCV supported Covenant House's Street Outreach and Aftercare Program (SOAP), specifically funding an outreach bus. The bus enabled Covenant House staff to reach more young people where they congregate, providing them with coordinated services and ongoing support as they transition out of care. With the addition of a vehicle for FY24, Covenant House anticipates doubling outreach to 200 youth this fiscal year.
Cornerstone Community Outreach
TCV covered Cornerstone Community Outreach’s purchase of new linens for the entire facility and gift cards for the 79 children currently staying onsite to purchase new clothes, with additional support for incoming families. Most of the families that are experiencing homelessness don't have a current source of income to afford new clothes or toys for their kids. Cornerstone used the award to buy 240 Target Gift cards worth $50 each. Almost all of them were distributed directly to each family, and any that were left over were used to get school supplies for the kids.
Broadway Youth Center
Broadway Youth Center supporting the food and transportation assistance, including providing food support to 130 clients and offering gift cards and bus cards for transportation needs. The gift cards offer the freedom and flexibility of choice to give semblance of normalcy in their lives. BYC improves the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness and other underserved youth by providing youth-centered, integrated healthcare and social services.
Lyte Collective
TCV fully funded the costs of two housing units for LYTE Collective. Through this grant, two deserving individuals have received a comprehensive package of support, covering 100% of their rent and utility expenses, along with fully furnished apartments, essential supplies, monthly transportation passes, and food assistance. Additionally, the grant extends to cover their phone bills, ensuring they can stay connected. Beyond housing and financial assistance, these individuals benefit from holistic supportive services, including employment, education, health, arts, recreation, and personalized support for their unique needs. In June 2023, we were thrilled to hear about the successful transition of two young people into their own apartments. Both had been on the waitlist for Lytehouse Apartments for nearly two years. One of the beneficiaries, a young mother, has received specialized, therapeutic childcare and essential medical support for her son, who has developmental disabilities. This support has been life-changing for her. The other individual, a community member, has achieved stability in housing, enabling him to share custody of his son. This reunification has brought immense joy and stability to his life.
Ignite
TCV financed two 3G units and one NextGen unit for Ignite. The 3G units offer community-based housing for up to two years, while the NextGen units provide supportive affordable housing for up to three years while individuals take on an increasing proportion of rent/utilities each year of participation as they achieve self-sufficiency.
In Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), 100% of youth were employed and/or completed an educational goal by exit. 100% of youth reported they felt safe in their apartments during FY23 for both Next Gen and 3G.
The Night Ministry
The Night Ministry is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Chicago area. They offer various ways for people to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Our Methodology
Fund solutions that improve access to affordable housing and educational opportunities to reduce recidivism and provide job training and economic pathways to help lift individuals and families out of poverty.
Create affordable housing in Chicago with a pathway to permanent housing.
Generate long-term positive health and economic outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness by providing a reliable and easily accessible support system.
Accelerate innovation, scale, and the sharing of best practices amongst community-based organizations seeking to address homelessness.
Integrate existing and successful community-based organizations by providing a centralized resource center offering integrated services to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Acquire and remodel one or more physical spaces to meet the needs of our program and partnering organizations.